Tooth Eruption – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to tooth eruption, its phases, movement patterns, supporting structures, and eruption-related disturbances as described in the notes.

Eruption

Developmental process by which a tooth moves axially from the alveolar crypt to the functional position in the oral cavity and continues throughout life.

Alveolar crypt

The bony crypt in which a developing tooth resides before eruption.

Pre-eruptive phase

Stage from the start of tooth development (early bell stage) until crown formation is complete (beginning of root formation), during which the tooth moves within the growing jaw.

Bodily movement (pre-eruptive)

Tooth movement with bone resorption on the surface toward which the tooth moves and bone deposition on the crypt wall behind it.

Eccentric growth

Uneven growth where part of the tooth germ remains stationary while the rest continues to grow, shifting the tooth’s center.

Axial occlusal movement

Movement in the direction of the tooth’s long axis toward the occlusal plane.

Tilting or tipping movement

Movement around the transverse axis causing tilting of the tooth.

Rotating movement

Rotation around the tooth’s long axis.

Crown formation

The developmental stage during which the crown is formed.

Root formation

The development and formation of the tooth root, beginning after crown formation.

Prefunctional (eruptive) phase

Stage from the start of root formation until the tooth reaches occlusion; features include root formation, bone apposition at the fundus of the crypt, initial organization of the periodontal ligament, and rapid active eruption.

Axial occlusal movement (prefunctional)

Movement along the long axis toward the occlusal plane; principal eruptive movement in this phase.

Bodily movement (prefunctional)

Movement in distal, mesial, lingual, or buccal directions during eruption.

Tilting (prefunctional)

Tilting around the transverse axis during eruption.

Rotating (prefunctional)

Rotation around the long axis during eruption (e.g., lower incisors or canine).

Functional (post-eruptive) phase

Phase starting when the erupting tooth reaches occlusion and lasting throughout life; involves adaptations to growth and wear.

Occlusal active eruption

Active eruption in the direction of occlusion with cementum and alveolar bone apposition.

Occluso-mesial physiological drift

Physiological mesial/occlusal movement of teeth due to alveolar bone remodeling to maintain occlusal harmony.

Periodontal ligament (PDL)

Fibrous connective tissue linking cementum to alveolar bone, containing principal fibers and enabling tooth movement.

Fibronexus

The connection between fibroblasts and the external environment in the PDL, with contractile elements transmitted through fibronectin and desmosomal attachments.

Fibroblasts

Cells of the PDL that can contract and coordinate movement through the fibronexus network.

Ankylosis

Fusion of cementum or dentin to alveolar bone with loss of the PDL, causing the tooth to submerge and stop erupting.

Impaction

Cessation of eruption due to a physical barrier or ectopic position; includes primary and secondary retention.

Primary retention

Cessation of eruption before gingival emergence without a detectable barrier.

Secondary retention

Cessation of eruption after emergence without a barrier.

Ectopic eruption

Eruption of a tooth in a location where eruption should not occur (e.g., maxillary sinus).

Eruption hematoma

Bluish, opaque swelling overlaying an erupting tooth due to accumulation of blood/tissue fluid in the follicular sac.

Eruption cyst

Bluish, translucent, dome-shaped lesion over an erupting tooth, filled with fluid; may rupture or be surgically managed.

Dentigerous cyst

Most common developmental odontogenic cyst; fluid accumulation between the crown and reduced enamel epithelium around an impacted tooth.

Premature eruption

Early eruption of a tooth due to local or systemic factors (e.g., natal/neonatal teeth, hypothyroidism, supernumerary teeth, early loss of deciduous teeth).

Delayed eruption

Delay in eruption due to idiopathic factors, local barriers (impaction, cyst, tumor), systemic conditions (hypothyroidism), or hereditary conditions (e.g., Cleidocranial Dysplasia, Gingival Fibromatosis).

Dental sac

Structure surrounding the developing tooth; source of cementum and alveolar bone formation; important for eruption.

Cementum

Mineralized tissue covering the tooth root; formed by the dental sac and essential for attachment to the PDL.

Alveolar bone

Jawbone that forms the tooth sockets and remodels during eruption.